Patent Grant
8801492
Toy vehicle track sets have been popular for many years and generally include one or more track sections arranged to form a path around which one or more toy vehicles can travel. Toy vehicles which may be used on such track sets may be either self-powered vehicles or may receive power from an external source. In order to increase play value of the track sets, various track amusement features have been added to the track sets. For example, track features, such as stunt devices or elements, including loops, jumps, collision intersections, etc., have been included in such track sets to increase the play value of the track sets.
However, with many track sets, the vehicles run on a closed loop track moving through the same track features lap after lap. Although such track sets may have one or more stunt devices, a vehicle in the track set may perform the same stunt over and over as it travels along the track. Thus, even in track sets with more than one stunt device, the motion of the vehicle generally remains consistent for each vehicle as it travels along a specific section of the track. This repetitive nature of vehicle travel may result in loss of interest in the track set over a short period of time.
Some track sets have incorporated switching mechanisms to enable a user to direct a vehicle to a select travel path. However, generally such systems require manual manipulation of the track and/or manual actuation of a switch to reroute one or more vehicles traveling on the track. Play possibilities may be limited as travel along the select paths may again become repetitive over a short period of time.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide toy track set with interchangeable elements to provide numerous configurations.
In one embodiment, a relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having: a first actuator; a second actuator; an object movably secured to the relay for movement from a first elevated position to a second lower position; a first trigger moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position causes the actuator to release the object from the first elevated position such that the object travels towards the second lower position; and a second trigger coupled the second actuator wherein movement of the second trigger launches an object from the second actuator, wherein the second trigger is moved when the object is at the second lower position.
In another embodiment, a relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having: a base structure; a guide member mounted to the base; a carrier moveably mounted to the guide member, wherein the carrier is configured to descend along the guide member from a first raised position to a second base position by the force of gravity; a launcher configured to propel an object away from the relay; a first trigger configured to activate the descent of the carrier from the first raised position; and a second trigger configured to activate the launcher, wherein the second trigger is configured to be actuated by the carrier when it reaches the second base position.
In another exemplary embodiment, an interchangeable toy track set is provided, the interchangeable toy track set having a plurality of interchangeable relay segments each of which may be coupled to each other to create a plurality of variations for the toy track set, wherein at least one of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments has: a base structure; a guide member mounted to the base; a carrier moveably mounted to the guide member, wherein the carrier is configured to descend along the guide member from a first raised position to a second lower position by the force of gravity; a launcher configured to propel an object away from the relay on an outgoing track segment; a first trigger configured to activate the descent of the carrier from the first raised position, wherein the first trigger is positioned to receive an object launched by another relay segment; a second trigger configured to activate the launcher, wherein the second trigger is configured to be actuated by the carrier when it reaches the second base position; and wherein the object propelled onto the outgoing track segment is received on an incoming track segment of another relay.
a and 1b further illustrate segments of an exemplary toy vehicle track set;
c shows an internal view of an example relay segment;
In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention a customizable track set is provided. In one embodiment, the track set includes a plurality of interchangeable relay segments each of which may be coupled to each other to create a customized expandable track set. The relay segments may include one or more stunt elements and may be selectively positioned at the beginning, middle, or end of the track set. Each relay segment may be configured to enable a toy vehicle to traverse an obstacle and/or perform a stunt and launch the toy vehicle down a track towards another relay segment, which then may initiate a second vehicle to be released and traverse still another obstacle and/or perform still another stunt.
An example track set 100 having three relay segments 110, 112, and 114 is shown in
In this first example, each relay segment 110, 112, and 114 may include an incoming vehicle trigger which may directly or indirectly causes the launching of another outgoing vehicle. The outgoing vehicle from one segment may become the incoming vehicle of a next segment. One or more launchers may be provided to accelerate toy vehicles along the track. As such, the launchers may be configured to engage and urge a toy vehicle to travel along the track. It should be appreciated that although launchers are described herein, vehicles may be manually propelled along the track without the use of a launcher without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. A vehicle may be positioned in launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along the track. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs, elastic bands or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy.
In one example, the relay segments may include triggers, such as conical shaped triggers (shown in
Further, while this example shows a conical trigger, alternatively, it may be planar shaped and angled (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) relative to an incoming track. As a further example and as shown in
In some relay segments, actuation of a trigger by a first vehicle initiates a stunt and release of a second vehicle on the track set. As an example and referring again to
It is noted that track 130 includes direction indicators, such as molded-in arrows, or cut-outs which may indicate vehicle direction and/or assembly instructions for a toy track set. For example, the direction indicators may aid in the ease of assembly for an expandable track set, may provide specific direction of vehicle travel used to initiate stunts, or enable passage past obstacles. Although the direction indicators are shown as a row of cut-out arrows, it should be appreciated that the direction indicators may be of any size and/or shape to indicate assembly direction and/or vehicle travel direction. Further, although a plurality of arrows is illustrated, a single arrow or other cut-out may also be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the direction indicators may be positioned in a center of the track so that the wheels of the vehicles are not impeded. It further should be appreciated that although shown as cut-outs, the direction indicators may be surface indicators, raised moldings, etc.
Referring back to
As shown in
c illustrates a mechanism 127 for performing the affirmation two trigger event. In one embodiment an upper portion 129 of the crane is moved downward in the direction of arrow 131 wherein a plurality of gears 133 are rotated and potential energy is stored in a spring mechanism that is wound as the gears are rotated and a pawl or catch mechanism engages the gears to prevent back driving of the gears by this spring mechanism, wherein the pawl or catch mechanism is released from the engaging position when a conical surface 121 of trigger 120 is engaged thus causing the same to pivot about a pivot point 135 with respect to a lower portion 137 of the crane. Once the kinetic energy of the spring mechanism is released the gear train causes the upper portion of the crane to move upward in a direction opposite to arrow 131 which also causes a clasp 139 to release a pair of claw members 141 from their grasping position illustrated in
Referring again to
Vehicle 140 may actuate a trigger in relay segment 112. The relay segment 112 may actuate launching element 150 to launch a third vehicle 146 toward relay segment 114. In some embodiments, track events may be terminated at trigger 148. However, in other events, another relay segment, stunt element, or obstacle may be added to the track such that the track does not terminate at trigger 148.
It should be appreciated that each relay segment may be selectively positioned in the track chain. As an example, relay segment 110 may be at the beginning, middle or end of the track. Similarly, relay segments 112 and 114 may be positioned at the beginning, middle or end of the track. A user may be able to customize the track by positioning the relay segments in a desired order.
It should be appreciated that the track play of each relay segment may be activated directly or indirectly by actuation of the trigger. As an example of indirect activation, the relay segment may include a stunt element performed by either the first or second vehicle. Further, the stunt element may be performed by a third vehicle. Further still, the stunt element may include multiple simultaneous, parallel, and/or sequential stunts performed by a plurality of vehicles, where the stunts may be performed simultaneously, in sequence with one triggering the next, in parallel, or combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the launching element and/or the trigger may also include stunt elements performed by one of the first and second, or other vehicles. Although described in regards to actuation of the stunt elements via vehicle triggering, alternatively, track play may commence via manual activation of any of the relay segments or stunt elements. While
Although shown with regard to a single straight-line track, it should be understood that virtually any number of different track designs may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, parallel track configurations may be used, as well as combination sequential/parallel track configurations may be used. Further, various stunts may be performed, rather than the drops and/or loops shown, such as jumping over voids, traversing obstacles, etc.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 230 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Also, incoming track section 210 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable or pivotally mounted to the relay segment for movement in the direction of arrows 211) to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles. Further, incoming track section 210 may be coupled to track segment that may be mounted to a higher altitude position, such that gravity may “launch” the incoming vehicle. Likewise, exiting track section 230 may also be adjustable.
In this example, the trigger is pivotally mounted to the launching stunt element via pins 311 for movement between a first position and a second position in the direction illustrated by arrows 313, wherein movement of trigger from the first position (illustrated) to the second position (not-illustrated) occurs when a vehicle moves into an area 315 between a contact surface of conical trigger 312 and incoming track segment 310 thus forcing the conical trigger upward and away from track segment 310.
In addition, and in order to provide manual activation of the trigger (i.e., to begin a series of triggering events by launching the first car from a relay segment or a plurality of users can individually launch a car from separate relay segments or any combination thereof) a manual switch 314 is also secured to the trigger such that an application of a force in the direction of arrow 317 will cause the trigger to pivot about pivot pins 311 and move the contact surface of the conical portion away from the track segment 310 and dust release the launcher from its launch position.
Referring now to
It should be noted that exiting track sections of each of the relay segments, such as exiting track section 330, may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments. The relay segments may be interchanged such that the track is customized. Also, incoming track sections of the relay segments, such as incoming track section 310, may be adjustable (e.g., rotatably or pivotally mounted to the relay segment for movement in the direction of arrows 309) relative to exiting track section 330 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles. It being understood that the exiting track section of each relay segment can be coupled to a movable incoming track section of another relay segment via connector track sections releasably secured to each track section via a releasable engagement mechanisms such as a tongue and groove arrangement. Accordingly, and through the use of movable incoming track segment's multiple angles and orientations are capable of being provided by the vehicle tracks set wherein multiple relay segments of installed therein.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 730 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Also, incoming track section 710 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 730 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Another basketball hoop stunt 800a is shown in
Similarly, ramp stunt/launcher stunt 804, may be triggered such that, a vehicle, pre-loaded at the top 842 of ramp 850, and held by catch 844, is released (by movement of catch 844) to launch the vehicle out and/or down exiting track section 830, which may actuate or terminate another device, such as rotation of hammer box 716.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 930 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Likewise, in this or other examples the incoming track section may be coupled to other relays/stunts via still further track sections. Also, incoming track section 910 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 930 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Continuing with
Referring now to
Similar to the previous embodiments an incoming or first track segment 1110 is pivotally mounted to the relay for movement in the direction of arrows 1109 and a trigger 1112 is pivotally mounted to the relay for movement in the direction of arrows 1113. Accordingly, a contact portion of the trigger is located above a portion of the incoming track segment such that an incoming vehicle on the track segment 1110 will contact the trigger and move it from a first position to a second position thereby actuating a release mechanism 1115 located within the relay 1102′.
The relay 1102′ has a first stop member 1117 associated with track 1103′ and a second stop member 1119 associated with track 1101′. Each stop member 1117, 1119 is configured for movement from a first upright blocking position, wherein the vehicle is retained behind the stop to a second downward unblocking position, wherein the vehicle can travel past or over the stop member due to gravity forces pulling it downward.
In one mode of operation, the release mechanism 1115 is coupled to at least the first stop member 1117 via linkage or any other equivalent means, such that movement of the trigger will cause the stop member to move from the first upright blocking position to the second downward unblocking position, wherein the vehicle can travel past the stop member. Numerous means of releasing/moving the stop member from the blocking position are contemplated for example, the stop member may be held in the upright position via a catch or latch that is actuated by the release mechanism 1115 and movement of the catch or latch from a blocking position to an unblocking position will allow the stop to be moved to the downward position by the weight of the vehicle.
Alternatively, the stop may be spring biased into the downward position and the catch or latch holds the stop in the upright position and movement of the catch or latch causes the stop to move to the unblocking position by the biasing force of the spring. In yet another variation, a combination of a spring biasing force and the weight of the vehicle may move the stop into the unblocking position. In yet another variation, the stop members are spring biased into the upward or blocking position and the weight of the toy vehicle is sufficient to move the stop member from the blocking position to the unblocking position when the catch or latch is released via the release mechanism and after the vehicle travels past the stop member stop member is moved back into the blocking position via the biasing force of the spring.
Still further and in one mode of operation the stop members 1117 and 1119 move from the blocking position to the unblocking position sequentially such that stop member 1117 will move first such that vehicle 1122 travels past stop member 1119 before it moves into the unblocking position such that there is no collision of vehicles 1122 and 1120. Of course and in an alternative embodiment, collision of the vehicles may be desired and operation of the stop members may be configured such that the vehicles collide into each other or alternatively operation of the stop members may vary between sequential operation (i.e., no collision) and non-sequential or simultaneous operation wherein the vehicles collide thus, providing an unknown or random outcome. In one exemplary embodiment, movement of the stop members 1117 and 1119 is configured such that the vehicles being released by the stop members will travel down their respective track paths and a “near miss” (e.g., collision avoided) is observed by the user. In other words, the first vehicle 1122 will just have traveled past the stop member holding back the second vehicle 1120 when it is released or as it starts to travel down its track path.
Sequential operation of the stop members 1117 and 1119 may be achieved in numerous ways for example in one mode of operation mechanism 1115 is configured to release stop member 1117 first and then release stop member 1119. Alternatively, mechanism 1115 is configured to only release stop member 1117 and movement of vehicle 1122 down the track segment will cause the same to contact a trigger or switch 1121 pivotally secured to and located in the track segment that vehicle 1122 travels down such that as vehicle 1122 is released and moves down the track path it will contact trigger 1121 and move it from a first position to a second position. Trigger 1121 is coupled to stop member 1119 such that movement of the same from the first position to the second position by the vehicle traveling down the track path will cause stop member 1119 to move from the blocking position to the unblocking position and thus, vehicle 1120 can now travel down its track segment.
Accordingly and in the aforementioned embodiment, operation of relay 1102′ allows for sequential release of two vehicles wherein each vehicle travels down a respective path coupled to track sections 1130 and 1132 and having a portion that crosses over or shares a portion of the other vehicle's path. In this embodiment, the first vehicle 1122 must be released first so that it can actuate trigger 1121 and release the second vehicle 1120. In addition, the trigger 1121 is located such that by the time the vehicle has actuated the trigger 1121 it will be out of the way of the second vehicle when it is released from its corresponding stop member. Still further, the trigger will be located such that the second released vehicle will nearly contact the first vehicle thereby providing the excitement of a near miss each time the vehicles are released. In this configuration, a vehicle or object must be placed behind stop member 1117 in order to activate the trigger 1121 that controls stop member 1119.
In addition, and as in the previous embodiments relay 1102′ will also have a manual trigger 1114′ that when actuated will cause mechanism 1115 to move the stop member or members and allow for the vehicles to travel down a respective vehicle path. This allows the relay 1102′ to be the first in series of relay segments coupled together.
It should be appreciated that the track sets described herein may be used for toy vehicles. As an example, the toy vehicles may be 1:64 scale models, however other sized toy vehicles may be also used. One exemplary range would be 1:50 scale of less, again it is, of course, understood that scales greater or less than 1:50 are contemplated to be within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
A toy vehicle track set 100a having multiple relay segments 110a, 112a, 114a, 116a, 118a and 120a is shown in
In this example, each relay segment 110a, 112a, and 114a may include an incoming vehicle trigger which may directly or indirectly causes the launching of another outgoing vehicle, also referred to herein as a relay segment exit vehicle. As an example, each relay segment may include an incoming track, such as incoming track 122a, for an incoming vehicle, and an exit track, such as exit track 124a, for an outgoing vehicle. The exit track of one relay segment may be interchangeably coupled with the incoming track of a second relay segment such that the outgoing vehicle from one relay segment may become the incoming vehicle of a next relay segment.
One or more launchers may be provided to accelerate toy vehicles along the track. As such, the launchers may be configured to engage and urge a toy vehicle to travel along the track. It should be appreciated that although launchers are described herein, vehicles may be manually propelled along the track without the use of a launcher without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. A vehicle may be positioned in launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along the track. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy.
In one example, the relay segments may include incoming vehicle triggers. The triggers may be configured to enable an incoming vehicle to actuate a stunt and release of an outgoing vehicle from the relay segment. The triggers may be positioned such that a vehicle traveling along the track actuates the trigger.
As one example, the vehicle triggers may be conical-shaped triggers (shown in
Further, while this example shows a conical trigger, alternatively, it may be planar shaped and angled (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) relative to an incoming track. As a further example, an example trigger may have a flat, angled plane formed by a plurality of ridges) that is configured to be contacted by a vehicle on a track. Again, although in one example the trigger may have an angle of approximately 45 degrees, any suitable angle may be applied (e.g. 5-90 degrees) such that a vehicle actuates the trigger. Further, the trigger may be engaged under or along the side of the track, such that the vehicle actuates the trigger by traveling over or through a portion of the track.
In some relay segments, actuation of a trigger by a first vehicle initiates a stunt and release of a second outgoing vehicle on the track set. In some embodiments, manual triggers may also be included, alone or in combination, with the vehicle triggers. Manual triggers may be configured to be actuated such that a stunt is initiated and/or an outgoing vehicle is released from the relay segment. The outgoing vehicle may travel to a second relay segment.
It should be appreciated that the track play of each relay segment may be activated directly or indirectly by actuation of a trigger. As an example of indirect activation, the relay segment may include a stunt element performed by either a first or second vehicle. Further, the stunt element may be performed by a third vehicle. Further still, the stunt element may include multiple simultaneous, parallel, and/or sequential stunts performed by a plurality of vehicles, where the stunts may be performed simultaneously, in sequence with one triggering the next, in parallel, or combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the launching element and/or the trigger may also include stunt elements performed by one of the first and second, or other vehicles. Although described in regards to actuation of the stunt elements via vehicle triggering, alternatively, track play may commence via manual activation of any of the relay segments or stunt elements.
As an example and referring again to
It is noted that track connector sections, as shown for example at 130a, may be interposed between relay elements extending the distance between a first and second relay element. Thus, in addition to selective positioning of each relay segment, track connector sections may be selectively positioned to enable customization of the track since each of the incoming track sections they are releasably secured thereto are rotatably mounted to the relay segment.
One or more portions of the track set, such as the incoming track and exit track of the relay segments and/or the track connector segment may include direction indicators, shown at 132, such as molded-in arrows, or cut-outs which may indicate vehicle direction and/or assembly instructions for a toy track set. For example, the direction indicators may aid in the ease of assembly for an expandable track set, may provide specific direction of vehicle travel used to initiate stunts, or enable passage past obstacles. Although the direction indicators are shown as a row of cut-out arrows, it should be appreciated that the direction indicators may be of any size and/or shape to indicate assembly direction and/or vehicle travel direction. Further, although a plurality of arrows is illustrated, a single arrow or other cut-out may also be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the direction indicators may be positioned in a center of the track so that the wheels of the vehicles are not impeded. It further should be appreciated that although shown as cut-outs, the direction indicators may be surface indicators, raised moldings, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the arrows are integrally molded with the track and/or relay segment.
For example, a vehicle released from relay segment 110a and traveling along track 130a in the direction of the direction indicators may contact or engage a second relay segment, e.g. relay segment 112a. As described in more detail below, each relay segment may actuate a stunt. Stunts may include one or more, as well as any combination of, loops, jumps, collisions, simulated explosions, vehicle crashes, vehicle drops, vehicle lifts, vehicle obstacles, vehicle spins and other vehicle obstacles. In some embodiments, stunt vehicles may be preloaded for release upon actuation of the relay segment trigger (e.g. actuation by an incoming vehicle of the vehicle trigger or manual actuation of a trigger).
For example, relay segment 110a may be a stunt element, such as a falling and pivoting ramp element 138a. Upon contact or actuation of trigger 140a, a falling and pivoting ramp stunt event may be initiated. A stunt vehicle (not shown) may be pre-positioned on platform 142a. In the falling and pivoting ramp stunt event, platform 142a may be rotatably coupled to arm 144a which may be pivotally coupled through pivot 146a to the relay segment. Upon actuation by an incoming vehicle, the arm 144a may swing from a first generally vertically-extended position (shown) to a second generally horizontally-extended position. Further, platform 142a may rotate such that the platform rotates to generally correspond to enable release of the stunt car down exit track 148a. As such, the pre-positioned vehicle may be released down exit track 148a toward the next relay segment, such as relay segment 114a.
Addition details illustrating an example falling and pivoting ramp element 112a are shown in
Actuation of trigger 140a may release arm 144a from a first position. The first position, as illustrated, is a substantially vertical position, where platform 142a is in a substantially parallel plane to the ground surface. Upon release of arm 144a from the first position, arm 144a pivots or swings about pivot point or hinge 146a such that the arm falls as indicated by arrow 152a. Further, in some embodiments, platform 142a may be rotatably coupled to arm 144a such that it may rotate as indicated at arrow 154a.
Release of arm 144a and rotation of platform 142a, results in the arm and platform moving to a vehicle release position indicated in dashed lines in
In one embodiment, the platform 142a includes a front portion 160a and a rear portion 162a. Rear portion may include a stop wall 164a to prevent a preloaded vehicle from prematurely releasing from the platform. Additional vehicle engagement features, such as detents may further retain the preloaded vehicle in the platform during the stunt. As discussed above, upon rotation of the platform, front portion 160a aligns with exit track 148a. The angle of the platform in the release position enables the vehicle to break away from the engagement features and travel down exit track 148a toward a subsequent relay segment.
In some embodiments, lock features may be provided to lock the arm in the first and second positions. Release structures may be further provided to enable a user to release the arm from the first and second positions. Further, although not shown in detail in regards to the falling and pivoting ramp element, the relay segments may be configured to fold into compact configurations to reduce packaging size and for ease of storage. Additional examples regarding relay segment folding are disclosed in more detail below.
Referring back to
Relay segment 114a is an example of a direct acting relay segment. An incoming vehicle may actuate a trigger 200a which may effect release of a preloaded vehicle from launcher 202a. The preloaded vehicle may exit relay segment 114a toward relay segment 116a along exit track 204a.
Direct acting relay segment 114a is similar to the relay segment illustrated in
Movement of the conical trigger 312 again causes release of stored potential energy to move a launching member in a manner similar to that described with respect to
It should be noted that exiting track sections of each of the relay segments, such as exiting track section 330, may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments. The relay segments may be interchanged such that the track is customized. Also, incoming track sections of the relay segments, such as incoming track section 310, may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 330 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Referring back to
Specifically and as illustrated in
As illustrated, a preloaded vehicle may be positioned at the top of ramp 168a and held in launch position by stop 172a. Upon actuation of trigger 163a, stop 172a is released and the preloaded stunt vehicle launches down the ramp to direction changer 174a and then through booster 176a. Booster 176a may be any device to impart addition acceleration onto the toy vehicle. For example, booster 176a may be motorized wheels which further launch the vehicle into loops 170a. A switch 175a may be used to turn on the booster motor.
A directional key 178a directs the vehicle into alternative loops. For example, in the illustration, the direction key 178a has a path-defining section 180a which provides a rail edge defining the vehicle pathway and a contact switch 182a which upon contact with the vehicle as it travels along the defined pathway is flipped such that the key first defines a first pathway 184a, and upon contact with the vehicle defines a second pathway 186a. Each time the vehicle goes around the loop, the direction key is switched such that the vehicle alternatively travels the first pathway and then the second pathway.
In some embodiments, a timer may be used to time the vehicle's travel in loops 170a. For example, the vehicle may continue to travel in the loops for a predetermined period, such as a period of 5 seconds or any other preset time period. Following the predetermined period, the vehicle may be ejected from the loops. In other embodiments, the vehicle may perform a predetermined number of loops prior to ejection from the loops.
Ejection of the vehicle from loops 170a may occur after a predetermined event, a predetermined time, or in some embodiments, upon a user's activation. The vehicle may be ejected from exchanger stunt element 161a. For example, in some embodiments, completion of the predetermined event or time may actuate the directional indicator platform such that it raises up defining a vehicle ejection path.
As shown in
In such embodiments, the vehicle traveling the loops may be ejected from the loops such that the vehicle falls from the exchanger stunt element. For example, the directional indicator may block the traveling path and causes the vehicle to impinge against the tip of the directional indicator and be forced from the track. In some embodiments, additional switches or changes in the boosters may be provided to break the vehicle's travel path resulting in the vehicle being discharged from the loops.
Returning back to
As an example, a first stunt vehicle may preloaded into launch cavity 306a, wherein cavity 306a includes a launching structure such as a spring-loaded launch slider 307a which upon activation, such as through trigger 304a, slides forward. Motion is imparted to the preloaded stunt vehicle such that the stunt vehicle launches towards a target, such as bulls eye 308a. Although shown as a bulls eye, any design configuration is possible for the target.
Additionally, additional stunt vehicles may be preloaded into the release boxes 314a and 316a on side towers 310a and 312a respectively. Impact on the target, such as bulls eye 308a, may actuate a second stunt stage. In the second stunt stage, side towers 310a, 312a may be released such that the towers 310a, 312a fall outwards about hinges 318a and 320a as indicated by arrow 322a and 324a respectively. The release boxes are rotatively coupled to the towers such that upon actuation of the second stunt stage the release boxes rotate from a storage position to a release position. The storage position may be any suitable position where a vehicle does not fall from the release boxes. Thus, in some embodiments, the storage position may be such that the release boxes are parallel to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the release boxes may be angled such that the vehicles are retained in the storage boxes.
Actuation of the second stunt stage effect the release boxes 314a, 316a to rotate about pivot points 326a, 328a as indicated by arrows 330a, 332a. In the release position, the release boxes are angled such that the preloaded stunt vehicles fall from the boxes. Further, towers 310a and 312a fall outward such that preloaded vehicles and the towers crash into the ground surface.
A third stunt stage may be activated upon completion of the second stunt stage. For example, rotation of the towers from the base may actuate a switch to initiate a third stunt stage. In the third stunt stage, a release box 334a may be preloaded with another stunt vehicle. The release box may be in a first position facing the incoming track 302a and trigger 304a. The release box may be rotatively coupled to the top of the tower for rotation about pivot point 336a. Upon actuation of the third stunt stage, the release box may rotate from the first position to a release position where the preloaded vehicle is released down exit track 340a. As such, in the release position, the release box rotates 180 degrees such that it faces exit track 340a. It is noted that a structural detent mechanism may be used to hold the vehicle in the first position. This detent mechanism may include structure such as the top surface of the tower which when in the first position prevents the vehicle from releasing. In other embodiments, a moveable gate or structure may be provided which prevents movement of the vehicle when in the first position but allows the preloaded vehicle to release when in the release position.
As such the tower stunt element may be considered a multi-stage stunt element. In this multi-stage stunt element, completion of each stage actuates a further stage. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, actuation of the multi-stage stunt element results in actuation of a first stage where a first preloaded vehicle impacts a target; completion of the target impact actuates a second stage where two preloaded vehicles are released and two towers fall outward toward a ground surface; completion of the tower fall actuates a third stage where a fourth preloaded vehicles is launched down exit track 340a. This vehicle is the outgoing vehicle of the tower stunt element and becomes the incoming vehicle for the subsequent stunt.
Again referring back to
An example explosion stunt element 350a is shown in more detail in
A vehicle traveling along the track may actuate trigger or lever 352a to effect a stunt. Although shown as an overhead trigger, the trigger may be in any suitable position which does not substantially impede the travel of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the trigger, and/or additional structure following actuation of the trigger, may stop the travel of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, activation of the lever (via contact with a traveling toy vehicle on the track) may cause the top of the silo 360a to launch upward to simulate an explosion. Although in the illustrated embodiment the silo explodes in a single piece, in alternative embodiments, multiple portions of the explosion element may separate. Stunt element further comprises a manual trigger element 362a, manual element 362a is coupled to 352a such that movement of manual element 362a causes a catch to release a spring to launch a top portion 361a away from the stunt element 350 to simulate an explosion.
While
As an example track accessory, flip accessory 1050a enables the user to selectively raise the track 1002a to improve vehicle travel along the track. Such an accessory enables adjustment of the track such that the speed of the vehicle may be increased. Other accessories may be used to increase or decrease speed, adjust the angle or the track, or otherwise alter the vehicle pathway. As such, the flip accessory may be coupled to one or more track segments that may be mounted to a higher altitude position, such that gravity may “launch” the incoming vehicle.
Track 1002 may be attached to a pivot plate 1064. In some embodiments, track 1002, such as a track connection section, may be snapped onto pivot plate 1064. In other embodiments, the track may be slid onto pivot plate 1064 or otherwise coupled to plate 1064. Further, although described as a pivot plate in this example, it should be appreciated that the pivot plate may be any suitable structure to enable support and coupling of the track. Use of the flip accessory may enable the track to be positioned such that a steep angle is created for vehicle travel. Vehicles released from the top of the track will increase speed such that the vehicles have sufficient speed to actuate the various triggers of the relay segments. Further, increased vehicle speed enhances play value of the track set.
A vehicle released on track 1002a may travel to relay segment 1100a. Relay segment 1100a may be a stunt element, such as a spiral crash stunt element. Incoming track 1102a may enable the incoming vehicle to actuate a trigger initiating a spiral crash stunt event. Completion of the stunt may result in two vehicles being released from two exit tracks 1104a, 1106a. Two vehicles are now traveling on the track set. Alternative pathways may be defined for such vehicles or parallel pathways. As described in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the example track set has been configured such that a first vehicle travels to relay segment 1200a and 1300a and the second vehicle travels to relay segment 1202a and 1302a.
Two preloaded vehicles may be positioned on carriers 1114a and 1116a. The carriers extend outward and are part of traveler 1108a. Upon actuation of trigger 1103a, traveler 1108a may be released from the start position such that the traveler rotates downwards as indicated by arrow 1117a about rod 1112a. Gravity pulls the traveler downwards with the rod including spiral coil structures which force the traveler to spin as it heads down the rod. A stop plate 1118a stops the traveler in a release position where both carrier 1114a and 1116a are aligned with exit tracks 1104a and 1106a, respectively. Preloaded vehicle may be released onto the exit tracks as outgoing vehicles from spiral crash stunt element 1110a.
It should be noted that each of the relay segments may be configured to fold to enable storage and/or reduce packing size. As such, many of the pieces of each relay segment are articulated to enable the pieces to fold and the structure to collapse inward. Further, in some embodiments, the relay segments are configured such that at least a top and bottom surface are substantially planar. The substantial planarity enables the relay segment to be more easily packaged or stacked for storage. The folding enables easy storage without the difficulties and frustrations that arise when such structures need to be disassembled for storage or packing.
As discussed above, spiral crash stunt element 1110a is configured as relay segment 1100a in
Referring back now to
Similar to the explosion stunt element described above, flip stunt element is an overlap element. As such, flip stunt element 1310a includes a track bed 1316a which is configured to receive a section of the track, such as a track connector section. The track may be slid into the track bed.
Carriage 1316a is configured to hold the preloaded vehicle prior to actuation of the flip stunt element. The vehicle may be supported by extensions and is configured to rotatively connected to the carriage such that activation of trigger 1308a causes rotation of the carriage such that the toy vehicle held therein is flipped or thrown from the track area.
Referring now to
In the illustrated track set 2000 an incoming vehicle travels along incoming track 2102 to actuate trigger 2104 of relay segment 2100. Relay segment 2100 may be a stunt element, such as a gravity-actuated zig-zag ramp stunt element. Thus, the incoming vehicle initiates the stunt, following which the pre-loaded stunt vehicle exits stunt 2100 at 2106 toward the subsequent stunt 2200.
Specifically,
The zig-zag ramp stunt element 2110 includes a support brace 2114 which maintains the start of the zig-zag track path in a relatively high vertical position. Gravity enables the car to move down the path. Although not required, in some embodiments, a spring-loaded launcher may be provided to further accelerate the vehicle along the zig-zag track path.
In some embodiments, various structures or designs may be used to indicate to a user the position for placing a pre-loaded vehicle. For example, different textures, paint or designs may be used to indicate that a vehicle should be loaded for activation in the stunt element.
In some embodiments, the zig-zag track may include angled sections which slow a vehicle down as it travels down the path. Rails 2116 may prevent the vehicle from careening off of the track. Further, cut-outs 2118 may be provided in the track to further disrupt the vehicles motion adding excitement to the stunt element. In some embodiments, the cut-outs and track shaped may provide enhanced excited my slowing the vehicle down such that additional anticipation is created.
It should be appreciated that other stunt elements may include speed control elements. These speed control elements include speed retarders and speed accelerators. Speed retarders, such as built-in delayed releases, controlled drops, speed, etc., may enhance play value by increasing the anticipation of an event. Further, speed accelerators, including ramp inclines, may, for example, increase play value by keeping vehicles moving through the track set.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and referring to
Referring now to
The vehicle basket 3111 may be hingedly connected to an arm 3114 as indicated at pivot point 3116. A vehicle may be preloaded in the basket. Activation of trigger 3104 results in the basket swinging downwards, as indicated by arrow 3117, such that the vehicle drops out of the basket and falls toward the ground.
In some embodiments, the preloaded stunt vehicle is configured to fall onto a target 3112. The target may be part of a platform or other structure. Upon impact with the target, a third vehicle may be released. As an example, a second pre-loaded vehicle may be positioned in cavity 3118. Cavity 3118 may include launching structure such as a spring loaded launch slider 3120 which upon activation slides forward, causing the second preloaded stunt vehicle to be accelerated toward exit 3106. This second preloaded vehicle becomes the outgoing vehicle of relay element 3100.
Referring now to
As illustrated, relay segment 4112 has a first actuator or trigger 4114 and a second actuator or launcher 4116. The first actuator of the relay segment 4112 may also be referring to an incoming vehicle trigger, movable member or release mechanism which may directly or indirectly causes the launching of another outgoing vehicle or object from the relay segment 4112 via second actuator or launcher 4116, wherein the outgoing vehicle or object from one segment may become the incoming vehicle or object of a next segment that strikes the trigger, movable member or release mechanism of the next segment.
Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. In one implementation, a vehicle may be positioned in a launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along the track. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs, elastic bands or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy.
In one embodiment, the relay segments may include a trigger, such as a conically shaped trigger, angled or curved trigger shapes that are not necessarily conical or a movable member. In some relay segments, actuation of a trigger by a first vehicle or object initiates a stunt and release of a second vehicle on the track set.
Referring now to at least
Additionally, first trigger 4114 can also have a manual trigger mechanism 4127 that will retract the tab and cause an object to travel towards the second actuator. This allows the relay to be the first in a series of relay segments coupled together.
The relay segment includes further incorporates a carrier or an accessory vehicle carrier 4130 moveably attached to a central tower or guide member 4132. Accessory vehicle carrier 4130 and central tower 4132 are particularly configured such that the vehicle carrier descends the central tower under the force of gravity and maintains an oscillatory rotation over a substantial portion of the descent. Rotation of vehicle carrier 4130 during descent is controlled by interactions between a collar 4134 associated with vehicle carrier 4132, and surface grooves 4136 on central tower or guide member 4132 as will be discussed below.
As shown, the relay may further include a base 4138 that supports the guide member or central tower 4132 and connects the same to a launch impulse element, second actuator or launcher 4116.
The second actuator can in one embodiment be configured to have a launch bay 4140 supported or secured to the base. Alternatively, the launch bay may be located elsewhere with respect to the base. Movement of the first actuator or trigger will cause the vehicle carrier to descend down the guide member until a trigger 4142 of the second actuator is contacted and the second actuator launches an object 4113 from the launch bay. In one embodiment, launch bay 4140 is proximate a connector 4144 which is used to link relay segment 4112 to another relay segment via a track segment 4146. Still further and as disclosed herein, object 4113 may be a toy vehicle.
As described herein, the relay segment 4112 may be incorporated into a toy vehicle playset 4110 that includes a plurality of toy vehicles or cars, and one or more track segments for directing toy vehicles, to effect a cause-and-effect chain of events for educational and/or entertainment purposes.
As illustrated, the relay segment includes and/or is arranged between a first track segment 4115 and a second track segment 4146. In one embodiment, the first track segment is configured to direct a toy vehicle 4134 towards the first actuator or trigger, which is configured to be actuated by the impact of vehicle 4113 and actuation of the first trigger causes the vehicle carrier to be released and descend from a top portion of the guide member under the force of gravity.
The surface grooves of the guide member or central tower interact with elements of the carrier collar, which as will be described below, regulate rotational movements of the carrier with respect to the guide member. The surface grooves are particularly configured to induce an oscillating helical rotation of the vehicle carrier during at least a portion of the descent of down the guide member, and to arrest rotation of vehicle carrier during at least a final portion of the descent to result in a final vertical “drop”, which in one embodiment will cause the trays of the carrier to pivot from a first position to a second position as will be discussed below.
At or near the end of the descent of the guide member, the carrier will actuate the trigger 4142 of the second actuator, which causes an element of the second actuator or launcher to launch an object down track segment 4146. In one non-limiting example shown, the element is configured to propel a toy vehicle out of the launch bay onto the second track element.
In one embodiment, the vehicle carrier is configured to have one or more trays 4148 attached to the central collar by support arms 4150. In some embodiments, the collar is fully integrated with the carrier and the trays are configured as baskets. However, other configurations of the carrier are within the scope of the present disclosure. Some examples may include alternatives to vehicle trays to hold toy vehicles during descent of the carrier. Some examples may include direct attachment of the vehicle trays or alternative holders to the collar. Some other examples may include a collar that separates from other elements of the vehicle carrier and still further and as will be discussed below the carrier will have a pair of trays configured to hold objects (e.g., toy vehicles, etc.) therein and the trays are pivotally secured to the carrier and/or collar such that they can move from a first position to a second position when the collar hits the bottom of the base and/or guide member of the relay segment. In one embodiment and as the trays pivot from the first position to the second position, the objects held therein are thrown from the tray and/or carrier.
The trays, support arms, and collar may, but are not required to, be arranged or configured to stabilize the relay segment and/or other elements of the playset during play activity. Stability of relay segment may be increased by arrangements of the trays which accommodate centrifugal forces generated by rotation of the carrier, and/or withstand changes in the velocity and/or direction of rotation of carrier during descent. For example, the vehicle trays and support arms may be symmetrically arranged about the central collar to equalize centrifugal forces during rotation.
At least
Gravity powered descent by the carrier is facilitated by holding the guide member in a substantially vertical orientation on the base and rotational movement of the carrier with respect to the guide member is facilitated by configuring the guide member to be a substantially cylindrical column. The surface of guide member in one embodiment is molded, impressed, or otherwise modified to control rotational, directional, and/or velocity parameters of the vehicle carrier during gravity powered descent. In one embodiment, the external surface of the guide member or central tower has one or more grooves which describe a path that the carrier can follow through interactions with the collar. However, a guide member that presents a path of external or internal ridges, fins, pins, flanges, or other physical or optical features as means to induce an oscillating rotation of the carrier during descent, are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The attached FIGS. illustrate that the guide member or central tower has two surface grooves on opposite sides of the same, generally indicated at 4136. The surface grooves form continuous paths from substantially near the top to the bottom of the guide member. As shown by this example, a plurality of grooves having substantially similar configurations may be arranged adjacent each other on sides of the guide member/tower, without intersection.
The surface grooves that extend from near the top to near the bottom of central tower do so without a change in the vertical direction. Surface groove paths that do not reverse vertical direction may facilitate a descent of the vehicle carrier that is motivated substantially or entirely by gravity. However, alternative examples in which surface grooves reverse vertical direction on the tower are within the scope of the present disclosure. Some alternative examples may include bumps or hills along the surface groove pathway, which a descending carrier may overcome by momentum and/or motorized mechanisms.
The surface grooves are configured to cause an accessory or vehicle carrier to rotate in an oscillating manner during descent from a first raised position to a second base position. Accordingly, grooves that have substantially spiral, or “helical”, trajectories around the guide member will induce rotation during descent by a carrier that is configured to follow the grooves. Helical surface grooves that reverse their rotational direction multiple times will induce oscillatory rotation around central tower or guide member. In the illustrated examples, the guide member contains a plurality of continuous surface grooves, each having helical trajectories that reverse their rotational direction multiple times between a dextrorotatory or “clockwise” 4154 direction and a levorotatory or “counterclockwise” 4156 direction.
As illustrated, the helical surface grooves may oscillate around at least an upper portion of the guide member and may have a substantially regular period of oscillation. However, the surface grooves that oscillate along other portions of the central tower and/or oscillate with irregular periods are within the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, the spiral deflection angle may be greater or lesser than those shown in the FIGS. or may vary between and/or within individual segments of the descent. In some examples, the first and/or last rotational directions of the surface grooves may be reversed from those shown in the FIGS. The number of oscillations, oscillation frequency, spiral deflection angle, distance moved along the guide member or central tower during oscillations, speed of movement, and combination or sequence of rotational and non-rotational descent of the carrier may vary without limitation within the scope of the present disclosure.
The surface grooves may also be configured to induce the carrier to fall without rotation for a last portion of the descent of guide member or central tower. For example, the path of the surface grooves changes from a substantially spiral trajectories 4154, 4156 on an upper portion of the guide member to a substantially vertical trajectory 4158 on a lower portion of the guide member. Limiting rotation of accessory the carrier for a final portion of the descent of the guide member may facilitate interactions with trigger 4142 causing the vehicle carrier to drop rapidly and gain vertical momentum prior to impact. Limiting rotation of the carrier for a final portion of descent may also stabilize the base and/or connections with other elements of toy vehicle playset. Still further and in one embodiment, when the carrier hits the base member the trays may pivot from the first position to the second position wherein the object held therein is thrown therefrom (See at least
The collar in one embodiment is configured to follow or “track” along with the surface grooves during descent. In one embodiment, the collar has an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of guide member or central tower. Alternatively, the collar may include components that penetrate this inner diameter to engage the surface grooves. In one embodiment, the collar has a plurality of guide pins 4160 circumferentially arranged around its inner surface to engage each surface groove on the guide member. Alternatively, the collar will have channels or other features that responsively engage alternative surface modifications of the guide member to result in an oscillatory descent of vehicle carrier.
As illustrated in at least
In an exemplary embodiment, the relay segment has a trigger 4114 for inducing the descent of the carrier along the guide member. As in the previous embodiments, the trigger 4114 has an impact surface 4172 pivotally connected to the relay segment at a pivotable joint 4174 via an arm 4176. In various embodiments, the relay may also have one or more alternate, auxiliary, or manual actuation levers 4127 to provide an alternate method of activating descent of the carrier or vehicle carrier.
In one exemplary embodiment, the impact surface is angled or has a conical shape and is positioned proximate to the first or incoming track segment of the relay that directs objects or toy vehicles towards the impact surface. In one embodiment, the first or incoming track segment and/or the second or outgoing track segment are pivotally secured to the relay.
The impact surface is configured to translate horizontal impact of a moving object into a vertical lift of the first trigger, which when moves causes release of the vehicle carrier from a first raised position on the guide member since the trigger is coupled to a mechanism for releasing the carrier. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the mechanism includes a tab 4178 that is located at or near the top of guide member/central tower and fits into a channel 4180 in an upper surface of the collar. The tab when engaged into the collar prevents rotation of collar, which is required for the carrier to descend down the guide member under the control of the angled surface grooves. In one embodiment, the guide member has a cap 4182 that partly covers tab 4178 without interfering with the collar or other elements of the vehicle carrier.
The relay segment is also configured to enable the carrier to initiate the launch of a toy vehicle or car at the end of the carrier's descent down the guide member. In one embodiments, the trigger 4142 is located at the bottom of the guide member where it is actuated by direct impact of the collar as the bottom of the carrier's decent. To facilitate the interaction between of the collar and the trigger 4142, the lower end of the guide member is configured as a substantially horizontal step or “foot” that is wider than the diameter of the guide member and that exceeds at least the inner diameter of the collar. In this embodiment, the tower foot directly arrests the descent of the carrier by blocking downward travel of the same and to enable a descending carrier to activate the second actuator or launcher by direct impact, at least a portion of the trigger 4142 projects through the foot.
Launcher or second actuator 4116 is configured to move rapidly and forcefully from the first activated position to the second fired position by a release of stored energy. Nonexclusive illustrative examples of mechanisms by which the launcher may be driven and/or powered include electric motors and elastic elements such as various types of springs or rubber bands. The launcher may also be configured to continuously, intermittently and/or repeatedly apply propulsive force. Further details of a vehicle launcher containing such a launch element are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20080268743, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
In one embodiment the launcher is arranged on the base to induce motion in, or propel, a toy vehicle or car down a second track segment when the trigger 4142 is actuated by the descending carriage.
As illustrated in the attached FIGS. initial, final and sequential stages of action of the relay segment are provided. Upon actuation of the first trigger the carrier is released from its first raised position near the top of the guide member and the carrier descends the guide member or tower by rotating with repeated reversals of direction of rotation during descent. In one nonexclusive example, the carrier rotates substantially more than 120 degrees but less than 180 degrees between each reversal of rotation direction. Of course, other degrees of rotation greater or less than the aforementioned values are considered to be with the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Referring now to
As discussed, above and due to this movement of the trigger the carrier is released from a top portion of the guide member and begins to travel downwardly through reciprocal movement in the direction of arrows 4105 and by engaging the grooved surface of the guide member as discussed above. In this embodiment, the trays 4148 of the carrier are pivotally mounted to the same and/or collar 4134 via a pin 4107. In one implementation, the trays are retained in a first position illustrated in
Thereafter and when the carrier has travelled all the way down the tower or guide member, the releasable catch is engaged by a feature 4151 of the base member such that the releasable catch is moved from an engaging position to a disengaging position such that the tray is no longer held in the first position and the weight of the tray and/or the object disposed therein will cause the tray to pivot in the direction of arrows 4153 towards the second position and throw the vehicles from the tray. In one embodiment, the releasable catch is spring biased into the engaging position wherein a portion of the catch engages a portion of the tray and retains it in the first position and contact of the releasable catch or a portion thereof will overcome the biasing force of the catch and release the tray from the first position. Alternatively, the releasable catch may be configured such that a “final drop” or contact of the carrier to the base (e.g., carrier hitting base member) is sufficient to cause the spring biasing force to be overcome and thus, the carriers are able to pivot into the second position. In this embodiment, there is no need for a releasable catch to be engaged as the force of the carrier contacting the base is sufficient enough to cause the trays to pivot from the first position to the second position by overcoming this spring biasing force that retains them in the first position. In yet another alternative, the trays are retained in the first position by frictional engagement of a portion of the tray with a catch and contact of the carrier with the base member is sufficient to overcome this frictional engagement. Of course, numerous variations are contemplated and exemplary embodiments contemplate a releasable tray that is retained in a first position and subsequently released and pivoted into a second position when the carrier makes contact with the base member.
In the embodiments of
In yet another alternative embodiment, each of the trays are retained in the first position by a spring biased releasable catch 4109 that is configured to engage a surface or feature of the tray such that it is retained in the first position and the catch and a spring biased in force is configured such that the impact of the carrier onto the base from its final “vertical drop” (e.g., grooves 20 are arranged such that near the end of its travel from the top, the carrier will no longer rotate and it will merely drop vertically thus building up momentum before contacting the base) and will be sufficient enough to overcome the biasing force and any interference engagement of the releasable catch 4109 with a surface of the tray. Still further and in another embodiment, the releasable catch and the spring biasing force and the position of the tray with respect to pins 4107 will cause the same to be released from the releasable catch regardless of whether a vehicle or object is disposed within the tray. In other words, a sufficient portion of the tray overhangs the pivot axis of pin 4107 in a cantilever fashion such that when the carrier makes contact or impacts the base during its final vertical drop the tray will overcome the biasing force of the releasable catch and pivot from the first position to the second position as illustrated in the attached FIGS.
In addition and as discussed above, the carrier will contact a trigger that actuates the launcher and launches a toy vehicle away from the relay 4112 along an outgoing or second track segment that may be coupled to an incoming track segment of still another relay. As previously discussed, the incoming and outgoing track segments may pivotally secured to the relays to allow for unique configurations and variations in game play.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide relay segments or actuators that are easy to assemble and operate stunts that can be rearranged and repositioned for numerous play configurations.
While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it should be appreciated that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments. The features, functions, elements and/or properties, and/or combination and combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties of the track set may be claimed in this or a related application. All subject matter which comes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims is to be embraced within the scope of such claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/252,596, filed Oct. 16, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/329,921, filed Apr. 30, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/111,168 filed Apr. 28, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/926,583 filed Apr. 27, 2007 and 60/966,029 filed Aug. 24, 2007, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/581,762 filed Oct. 19, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/106,553 filed Oct. 17, 2008, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/717,645 filed Mar. 4, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/766,804 filed Apr. 23, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/172,617 filed Apr. 24, 2009, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/766,808 filed Apr. 23, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/214,774 filed Jun. 1, 2009; 61/214,775 filed Jun. 1, 2009; 61/172,575 filed Apr. 24, 2009; 61/172,631 filed Apr. 24, 2009; and 61/252,596, filed Oct. 16, 2009, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
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| Parent | 12717645 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 12581762 | US | |
| Parent | 12766804 | Apr 2010 | US |
| Child | 12717645 | US | |
| Parent | 12766808 | Apr 2010 | US |
| Child | 12766804 | US |
